Supreme Court partners with IIT Madras to pave the way for AI & tech advancements

In a groundbreaking move, the Supreme Court of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This collaboration is set to reshape the legal landscape, offering numerous technological solutions that promise to enhance accessibility and efficiency within the legal domain.

The MoU was forged to facilitate the digital transformation of the Indian judiciary, aligning it with a vision for a more technologically advanced legal ecosystem. This transformation aims to significantly improve access to justice, making legal proceedings more efficient and accessible to all.

The Supreme Court of India and @iitmadras have signed an MoU aiming at facilitating the digital transformation of the Indian judiciary.

The MoU outlines provisions for cooperation in the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in tasks such as… pic.twitter.com/hBDhLFfX79

— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) October 12, 2023

CJI Chandrachud's forward-thinking perspective

The catalyst for this collaboration came from the visit of Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, to IIT Madras in July this year. CJI Chandrachud is a staunch advocate for integrating technology into the legal system. During his visit, he emphasised the pivotal role of AI in advancing the legal sector while stressing the importance of using technology to uphold individual freedoms and human rights.

AI's dual potential

CJI Chandrachud noted that while AI holds immense potential, it can also be used to perpetuate discrimination and unfair treatment. He highlighted the fact that technology can either constrain or empower us. In his view, the true purpose of technology lies in securing the freedoms and rights of every individual. By embracing technology, the legal system can become more resilient in the face of emerging challenges and threats to individual freedoms.

Embracing technology as a necessity

CJI Chandrachud has stated that technology is not merely an option but a necessity in today's legal system. This collaboration with IIT Madras is a significant step in ensuring that technology plays a pivotal role in making the legal domain more efficient, accessible, and capable of safeguarding the rights and liberties of every citizen.

The future of India's judiciary is set to be driven by technology, and this partnership with IIT Madras marks a pivotal moment in this transformative journey.